Lands minister, Judith Nabkooba, has cautioned the youths against using drugs, saying it has led to an increase in the crime rate around the country.
Nabakooba who was speaking at the annual youth day celebrations in Mityana district. She asked local leaders to sensitise youths on dangers of taking drugs and the devastating effects of drug abuse.
She said by doing that, leaders will not only be helping but also rehabilitating the youths who were in one way or another lured by the influence of bad groups.
“Drug abuse is on the increase. We have seen many youths who are taking drugs which are dangerous to their health and can be a motivating factor to engage in crimes and the associated consequences of being arrested or death ,” she said.
The minister asked youths to live exemplary lives and be respectful in society to inspire the young generations.
“For someone to be able to follow you, you must be respectable and you have something to show in society.”
She lauded Rev Fr Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa, the Bishop of Kiyinda Mityana Diocese, for organising a wonderful event and tipping the youths with spiritual messages that will draw their love close to God.
She also re-emphasized the need for the youths to embrace the government socio-economic programmes.
“His Excellency the President has been emphasizing the youths. They are a priority on our agenda as the NRM government. There are so many programmes designed for the young people- please embrace them .”
These include Youth Livelihood Programs which is 100 percent for the youth, the Parish Developmental Model (PDM) which is 30 percent for youths, the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP), for young women , and Emyooga.
“If they participate in those programmes, they can improve their social wellbeing but they can also look after their families well,” she advised.
On the youth’s day, christians from seven deaneries are expected to make a holy pilgrimage to Kiyinda-Mityana cathedral parish to attend the celebrations.
These include Kassanda Deanery, Kanoni, Mityana, Busunju, Busuubizi, Kiboga, and Mubende Deaneries.
In his message, Rev Bishop Zziwa asked the youth to reflect on their life and revive the norms of the Catholic Church.
“Please be faithful and believe in the church. Do not go away from the church and ensure you practice what the church tells you to do,” Bishop Zziwa tipped youths.
Nabakooba supported the youth groups with Shs5 million as start-up capital and promised to lobby for them more support from government to realize the objectives of their respective groups.
